One foot forward to get started. Then the other. Walk, hike, bike, run, explore. Your buddy every step of the way.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Goals for Next Year!

One of the things I like so much about being a runner is that every day is a new start. This puts the pressure off at New Year's time, as I'm so used to setting little goals for myself throughout the year.

So, here they are for 2013:

I want to run more miles than in 2012. Easy goal. Achievable goal. All I have to do is schedule time, stay healthy and get out for those runs.

I want to do more active things with friends. That includes running the upcoming Big Bend Ultra 10K with Mary (see above, we're finishing this year's local Turkey Trot together), and seeking out friends for walks, bike rides, and hikes all year long. Being active with friends is a great way to build a HABIT of getting exercise. When you are reluctant to roll out of bed for an early morning jog, knowing your buddy is waiting for you is often all the extra motivation you need. Half of living an active life is being in the habit of doing it. And while I'm comfortable hiking, running and cycling by myself, I cherish time with friends.

I want to schedule more time to be a kid. There's no better tonic for grownup stress than hopping on a mountain bike around dinnertime. The decades peel back and I'm a little girl again, free and independent without a care in the world. In 2013, I'm going to seize more little-girl bike time, and wander aimlessly around town and head out to the mountains.

I'm enjoying being a Stonewear DesignsGrassroots Ambassador, wearing their terrific activewear and travel clothes all across Far West Texas and the Texas Mountain Trail. For the Turkey Trot, I wore Stonewear Design's Rockin' Jacket and Rockin' Capri, both soft and warm for workouts on chilly mornings. I love, love, love the Jacket's foldback cuff, which reveals a neat paisley print. I never really figured myself as a "paisley girl," but I really like the looks of this print. And I've had folks stop in mid-sentence to say, "that's a NICE jacket." What could be better than that?!?! I also like the thick knit of the Rockin' series, a breathable barrier against our cold winds. And in my cycling photo (above, right), same goes for their Echo Top. It is rugged enough for the trail, yet soft next to my skin. The princess seams flatter, and it is so cozy...perfect for our warm Texas Mountain winter days!

Do you know it feels to spend too much time on the couch, hips widening as the years roll by? Or the sting of being picked last for athletic teams in school? Me too. But I also know how it feels to finally get up and get moving, and how that can be the greatest gift you can give yourself. Now a 50-something athlete, I'm accomplished in some endeavors and happy to be at-the-back-of-the-pack in others. It didn't happen overnight, and it took support and advice from friends and motivation from within to get fit. And we're all a work in progress. Want to get off the couch yourself? Start where you are, put one foot in front of the other and move with us!